Details

In the 1930s, Epiphone released the first Masterbilt archtop guitars which have been well-revered ever since. Epiphone are experts in building top quality, professional archtop models that give you a wide range of warm but strong tones. The new Masterbilt De Luxe Classic is a revival of that original series, built using those tried-and-tested methods of old combined with highly modern and innovative onboard electronics. As soon as you pick up a Masterbilt De Luxe Classic, it's safe to say you will be instantly in awe of its tonal abilities.

UNIQUE DESIGN

A notable feature of the Masterbilt De Luxe Classic is that it is built to very specific measurements; 17 inch lower bout, 12.6 inch upper bout, 10.25 inch waist, and 21 inch body length. The body also has the customary F-hole cutaways in the solid spruce body top in place of a standard soundhole, allowing the acoustic sound to resonate freely and fully through each cutaway. The solid spruce top is strengthened by longitudinal bracing and adds volume to the guitar's output. The 3-layer ivory and black colour binding completes the finish visually along with the tortoise pickguard. Laminated flame maple is used to construct the rest of the body which looks elegant and contributes to the guitar's unique voice.

5-PIECE NECK

A 5-piece laminated hard maple and mahogany neck is fitted to the Masterbilt De Luxe Classic by a sturdy, glued-in dovetail joint, thus giving you the sound of a one-piece neck with plenty of resonance. The full, rounded "C" profile feels comfortable in your hand. Aboard the 25.5 inch scale length neck is an ebony fingerboard which offers 20 medium frets. The frets are also decorated with pearloid notched diamond inlays as helpful, guiding markers as you make your way up and down the neck.

MODERN ELECTRONICS

The Masterbilt De Luxe Classic is indeed an acoustic-electric model all thanks to the onboard eSonic HD preamp system with under-saddle Shadow NanoFlex HD pickup. Whether you're playing at home or recording in the studio, you'll be enthralled by the acoustic sound that comes from the guitar. Most of all, though, the inclusion of a new and innovative preamp system is what will equip you should you play through an amp or PA system live on stage, although it sounds just as wonderful when played naturally without an amp.

Separate Master Volume and Master EQ controls are situated under the F-hole cutaway where you can easily reach in to shape your tone. The position of the under-saddle pickup accurately translates each note played and amplifies it beautifully up through the F-hole cutaways. The eSonic HD preamp is powered by a 9V battery situated by the 1/4 inch output jack.

HARDWARE AND FINISH

The Masterbilt De Luxe Classic has the quintessential and historic Epiphone dovewing headstock with pearloid banner logo. The Historic Epiphone Reissue Tuners with Marboloid "Crown" buttons have been set to an upgraded 18:1 gear ratio, offering better tuning accuracy and ability.

Other appointments include a dual action truss rod, a floating adjustable ebonoid bridge and all-nickel trapeze tailpiece, drawing influence from the original Masterbilt series.